While
the premise might seem cutting edge, certain aspects of S1MØNE ($27)
prove to be a bit too predictable and familiar. Still, I found this satire
of the film industry to be rather amusing and quite likable, despite some
more obvious plot turns. S1MØNE stars Al Pacino as Hollywood
director Viktor Taransky, who finds himself dismissed from the studio run
by his ex-wife Elaine (Catherine Keener), after temperamental star, Nicola
Anders (Winona Ryder), storms off the set of his latest picture.
Determined to fulfill his artistic vision, Victor hocks everything he owns
to buy back the unfinished film from the studio, so he can complete it
with another actress. Unfortunately, due to the debacle with Nicola, there
isn’t a single actress in Hollywood (famous or not) willing to work with
Victor.

However,
faster than you can say Deus ex Machina, a solution to Victor’s problem
is literally dropped in his lap. Victor finds himself the beneficiary of
some brand new CGI software developed be a recently deceased computer
programmer. The software- Simulation One or Simone, turns out to be a
synthetic, completely computer generated thespian that will allow Victor
to complete his film without the unpleasant necessities of having to cater
to the overblown ego of a flesh and blood actress. Under Victor’s
careful control, Simone (Rachel Roberts), gives a "virtually"
perfect performance that not only save his film, but also makes her the
biggest sensation in Hollywood. Simone’s unexpected popularity proves to
be both a blessing and a curse for Victor, who finds his Hollywood clout
restored, but at the cost of having to devote every waking moment to
maintaining the illusion that his "discovery" is a real person.
The cast of S1MØNE also features Evan Rachel Wood, Jay Mohr, Jason
Schwartzman, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Daniel von Bargen.

New
Line Home Entertainment has made S1MØNE available on DVD in 2.35:1
wide screen presentation that features the anamorphic enhancement for 16:9
displays. This being a New Line DVD, it should come as no surprise that S1MØNE
looks great. The image is wonderfully crisp and provides a truly excellent
level of detail. Colors are generally vibrant and inviting, but there are
moments when the cinematography becomes a bit artsy and the hues become
slightly skewed. Flesh tones are very appealing, although not always
wholly natural. There are no problems with chroma noise or smearing during
the presentation. Blacks are pure and velvety, whites are crisp and
contrast is smooth, except for the more artful moments. Shadow detail is
excellent and the image produces a nice three-dimensional quality. The
smartly authored DVD doesn’t betray any signs of digital compression
artifacts.

Although
much of the film is dialogue driven, S1MØNE comes with very nice
Dolby Digital EX 5.1 and DTS ES 6.1 soundtracks. Surround usage is very
effective during key moments of the film, but at other times the sound mix
tends to favor the forward soundstage. Dialogue is very cleanly rendered,
with excellent intelligibility and the actors' voices have a warm, natural
timbre. Incidental music and Carter Burwell's engaging score are
reproduced with excellent musical fidelity. The bass channel is solid,
deep and never exaggerated; although by the nature of the material, it
doesn't get too much play. The differences between Dolby Digital and DTS
aren't extensive, but DTS does come out on top with a warmer, more
enveloping and precise sound. In addition to the two digital soundtracks,
English subtitles are also provided on the DVD.

Full
motion video, animation and sound serve to enhance the DVD’s interactive
menus. Through the menus, one has access to the standard scene selection
and set up features, as well as a few supplements. Starting things off are
two featurettes, Cyber Stardom and Simulating Simone.
Cyber Stardom is a seven-plus minute program that explores
the concept and possibility of computer generated actors. Simulating
Simone is a six-plus minute look at how the filmmakers created
their "computer generated" star. Nineteen deleted/extended
scenes are also provided on the DVD. The scenes can be viewed
individually, or within the context of the movie, with a special
interactive version of S1MØNE that flashes an onscreen icon during
the course of the movie, thus requiring the viewer to use their remote
control to view the additional material at the appropriate times. A
theatrical trailer and theatrical teaser close out the video supplements. S1MØNE
is also DVD-ROM enabled, with screenplay and a "Real Simone"
website that is an effective parody of a genuine movie star site.

S1MØNE
is an amusing satire that skewers certain aspects and personalities of the
motion picture industry. There is a certain level of predictability in the
movie, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. New Line's DVD looks and
sound great (no surprise there), which makes the movie more than worth
checking out.